Valets Collection

Banquet des Chevaliers de l Ordre du Saint-Esprit donne au chateau de Fontainebleau le 14 mai 1633, French School. The Knights of the Order of the Holy Spirit sit at two long tables

Persian domestic grooms, armed and in livery, charged to carry the mantle and arms of their masters
5614310 Persian domestic grooms, armed and in livery, charged to carry the mantle and arms of their masters, to hold the stirrup etc; (add.info.: Persian domestic grooms, armed and in livery)

American domestic grooms, armed and in livery, charged to carry the mantle and arms of their masters
5614308 American domestic grooms, armed and in livery, charged to carry the mantle and arms of their masters, to hold the stirrup etc; (add.info.: American domestic grooms, armed and in livery)

While a young gentleman conducts his social affairs by telephone, his man fastens his spats over his boots, preparatory to going out Date: 1904

12th Carriage of the Royal Household in Queen Victorias coronation parade
6338954 12th Carriage of the Royal Household in Queen Victorias coronation parade by British School, (19th century); (add.info)

A Squadron of Life Guards. Household Brigade, in Queen Victorias coronation parade. Handcoloured aquatint engraving from Fores Correct Representation of the State Procession on the Occasion of

18th century surgeon performing a trepanning operation on a mans head, with various surgical equipment: Jean Louis Petits lever 2, trestle 3, Valets pincers 4, cauterizers 5-8, round plaque 9

Valet to the Grand Seigneur, Topkapi Palace, (coloured engraving)
STC468937 Valet to the Grand Seigneur, Topkapi Palace, (coloured engraving) by French School, (18th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: L Ibriktar-Agassi)

Jousting knight and valets, 15th Century (coloured engraving)
976139 Jousting knight and valets, 15th Century (coloured engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Jousting knight and valets, 15th Century)

The Musicians (Music in an Antechamber), 1866 (oil on panel)
CLK339835 The Musicians (Music in an Antechamber), 1866 (oil on panel) by Zamacois y Zabala, Eduardo (1842-71); 32.5x24.1 cm; Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, Williamstown, Massachusetts

American domestic grooms, armed and in livery, charged to carry the mantle and arms of their masters, to hold the stirrup etc

Persian domestic grooms, armed and in livery, charged to carry the mantle and arms of their masters, to hold the stirrup etc

Promenade of Louis XIV (1638-1715) before the Palace of Clagny, c. 1680 (oil on canvas)
XIR207612 Promenade of Louis XIV (1638-1715) before the Palace of Clagny, c. 1680 (oil on canvas) by French School, (17th century); 140x190 cm; ChAteau de Versailles

Promenade of Louis XIV by the Parterre du Nord, detail of Louis and his entourage, c
XIR159079 Promenade of Louis XIV by the Parterre du Nord, detail of Louis and his entourage, c.1688 (oil on canvas) by Allegrain, Etienne (1644-1736); 260x289 cm; ChAteau de Versailles

Playing Cards
In the new packs of cards issued in revolutionary France, tha valets (knaves) are replaced by Republicans. Date: circa 1790

Pages and Valets
Pages and valets, attendants on persons of rank, during the reign of Edward IV. Date: 1475

Lacing up Master
A gentleman is laced into his corset by his valet

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From the grand banquets of knights to the royal carriages, they have always been there, ensuring their masters are impeccably dressed and prepared for any occasion. In this captivating glimpse into history, we witness a young gentleman conducting his social affairs by telephone while his devoted valet fastens his spats over his boots in preparation for a night out in 1904. Moving back further in time, we find ourselves amidst Queen Victoria's coronation parade, where the 12th Carriage of the Royal Household proudly showcases its regal splendor. A squadron of Life Guards from the Household Brigade stands tall and resolute, with their loyal valets by their side. Venturing even deeper into history, an 18th-century surgeon performs trepanning with utmost precision as his trusted valet assists him in every step. The Topkapi Palace unveils a vibrant scene of a valet attending to the Grand Seigneur himself - a position of great honor and responsibility. Transporting us to medieval times, jousting knights rely on their vigilant valets who ensure they are fully equipped for battle. Meanwhile, musicians fill an antechamber with enchanting melodies as attentive valets stand ready to assist them at every turn. Across continents and cultures, American domestic grooms don livery and arm themselves as they dutifully carry the mantle and arms of their masters during Louis XIV's grand carousel celebration. Similarly adorned Persian domestic grooms partake in this magnificent event that commemorates the birth of the Dauphin. Through these captivating glimpses into history, we come to appreciate how essential they were in maintaining order and elegance within society. Whether it be dressing nobles or assisting surgeons or supporting musicians or serving knights on horseback – these dedicated individuals played an integral role behind-the-scenes.